The ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa demands urgent attention and action. While significant legislative frameworks exist to protect women and girls, the real change will only occur when societal attitudes shift. This is why The Character Company (TCC), a non-profit organisation focused on mentoring boys and young men, is stepping up during and post the 16 Days of Activism against GBV to advocate for long-term solutions, emphasising the importance of values-based mentoring, mental health and emotional intelligence in preventing violence and fostering healthier masculinities.
Measuring Success: A Value-Based Approach
At TCC, there is a strong commitment to measuring the impact of their mentoring programs. Jaco van Schalkwyk, the founder, explains, “We run a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation program that measures various aspects of a boy’s development, from their social interactions and respect for others, to how well they understand and apply key values like respect, discipline, and empathy.” These values are foundational, as they not only provide a roadmap for personal growth but also help young boys understand the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, a message that extends to their views on gender equality.
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One of the success stories highlighted by TCC is the noticeable behaviour shift in older boys, who, after participating in the program, handle conflicts and emotional struggles with maturity and empathy. “We constantly ask them, ‘What kind of man do you want to grow up to be?’ The answer, for us, is simple: a man who practices values like kindness and respect, a man who stands up for what’s right and protects others,” van Schalkwyk adds.
Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability and Accountability
TCC’s mentoring philosophy is based on a three-step principle of vulnerability, accountability, and commitment. “Vulnerability is crucial,” van Schalkwyk emphasises, noting that men, particularly young boys, are often discouraged from expressing emotions. “Society tells us we must be strong and hide our emotions, but it takes immense courage to be vulnerable. Our goal is to create safe spaces where boys can open up about their struggles without fear of judgment, and where they are held accountable by mentors who genuinely care about their journey.”
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These safe spaces, whether in one-on-one mentoring sessions or group discussions around a “fire,” are integral to fostering emotional intelligence. In a culture that often discourages men from discussing mental health, TCC encourages open conversations. Van Schalkwyk reflects on this need: “We are not talking about mental health enough. Men don’t know how to deal with their emotions because we’ve never been taught to express them. By creating these spaces, we begin to change that narrative.”
The Role of Men’s Mental Health in Preventing GBV
Men’s mental health is a critical aspect of tackling GBV. TCC recognises that unresolved emotional trauma, often stemming from childhood experiences like absentee fathers, can manifest in harmful behaviours later in life. “Boys who grow up without healthy male role models are at risk of internalising toxic masculinity and potentially becoming perpetrators of violence,” van Schalkwyk notes. This is why TCC’s mentoring extends beyond the classroom to address deep-rooted emotional challenges.
Through mentoring, boys learn to manage their emotions constructively, reducing the likelihood of acting out through violence. As van Schalkwyk shares, “When men understand their emotions and can discuss them openly, they no longer resort to violence to express frustration or anger. Creating these spaces is essential for breaking the cycle of violence.”
A Long-Term Solution: Partnerships and Commitment to Change
TCC firmly believes in long-term, consistent intervention to combat GBV. “The solution isn’t a short-term fix; it’s about raising a generation of boys who understand that gender-based violence has no place in their lives,” says van Schalkwyk. TCC demonstrates its commitment to a long-term approach by mentoring boys as young as five, with the mentorship continuing well into adulthood.
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The call to action is clear: it is not enough to merely talk about GBV during the 16 Days of Activism. “We need partnerships that go beyond the short-term media attention. We need organisations, corporates, and government to come together with us and provide practical, year-round solutions,” van Schalkwyk asserts.
For TCC, addressing GBV is about more than talking; it’s about intentional, actionable change. They invite South African men, whether in the corporate world, government, or local communities, to step up and actively contribute to mentoring programs, ensuring that every boy in South Africa has access to a positive male role model. To get involved visit TCC’s website here.
